On March 24, Israeli warplanes struck multiple targets across the central and southern Gaza Strip, killing at least 32 people, including children and women, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The strikes hit residential areas in Deir el-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah, reducing homes to rubble as rescue teams searched for survivors.

This marks the 22nd consecutive day of Israeli attacks since the collapse of the previous ceasefire, even as Qatari and Egyptian-led negotiations continue in Cairo. Israel has refused to commit to halting its military operations during talks, claiming “security operations” are ongoing. Yet no immediate threat was identified, and the Israeli government has provided no evidence linking the targets to active militant operations.

Hamas has not responded militarily in over a week, following a single, small volley of rockets that landed without casualties. Prior to that, the group observed a three-week silence, despite near-nightly air raids. Hamas officials continue to express willingness to advance into Phase 2 of the truce deal, originally scheduled to begin on March 2, but blocked repeatedly by the Netanyahu government.

Footage aired live by Al Jazeera captured the aftermath of a strike on a home in Deir el-Balah, where a mother and three children were pulled from the rubble. Eyewitnesses say there was no warning. “They were asleep. We found them together under the roof,” said a neighbor.

The Crustian Daily previously reported that Israel’s bombardment campaign had already dropped more tonnage of explosives on Gaza than the WWII bombings of Dresden, Hamburg, Tokyo, and London combined. The continued escalation contradicts claims of restraint by Israeli officials and undermines international appeals for a sustained ceasefire.

The death toll in Gaza is now nearing 50,000, according to Gaza health authorities — a figure based only on confirmed, identified bodies, as Israel has previously challenged anonymous casualty counts. The real toll is likely much higher.